Boston Bruins: Zdeno Chara officially coming back next season

UNIONDALE, NEW YORK - MARCH 19: Zdeno Chara #33 of the Boston Bruins fights with Matt Martin #17 of the New York Islanders during their game at NYCB Live's Nassau Coliseum on March 19, 2019 in Uniondale, New York. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
UNIONDALE, NEW YORK - MARCH 19: Zdeno Chara #33 of the Boston Bruins fights with Matt Martin #17 of the New York Islanders during their game at NYCB Live's Nassau Coliseum on March 19, 2019 in Uniondale, New York. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) /
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Zdeno Chara recently spoke about wanting to play another season and it seems like the Boston Bruins were listening. The team signed him to a one-year extension.

Well that was rather quick. Recently I wrote about how Zdeno Chara wanted to play another season and it appears that the Boston Bruins were listening.

On Saturday the team announced they signed Chara to a one-year extension. I have to admit that even though Chara’s age concerns me I think that is a good deal.

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The most that Chara can make is $3.75 million. That isn’t a whole lot of money especially for your captain.

There is no doubt that Zdeno Chara isn’t the player he once was. The game has gotten much faster which hasn’t made things easier for the defenseman.

With that in mind Chara is still holding his own. He is able to use his insane reach to break up passes, and his strength allows him to dominate in the corners.

Chara has still been able to score as well. So far in the 2018-19 season, he has 4 goals and 7 assists with a +16 rating. Even at 42 years old he has still managed to perform rather well.

This is also a move to strengthen the locker room. There is no doubt that Zdeno Chara is the leader of the group. He is a great mentor to all the young guys on the team. Especially guys like Matt Grzelcyk and Charlie McAvoy who play the same position.

We have seen the Bruins struggle when they lost some key locker room guys. When Shawn Thornton left the team there seemed to be a hold in the locker room. It looks like Boston wants to make sure that doesn’t happen again.

Next. David Pastrnak has to stay on top line. dark

Zdeno Chara may not be the same player he once was, but I am glad to have him back next season.